Learning Outcomes

1. Outline and evaluate the main stages in the development of an advertising campaign

2. Reflect upon the socio-psychological factors that often underpin advertising campaigns, and explain how/why some campaigns might be controversial or problematic

3. Deconstruct and analyse advertisement texts using a range of tools

4. Systematically and analytically present ideas and justify choices

Brief description

This module is designed to offer students a critical insight into the advertising industry across a number of converging media. Using numerous examples of individual advertisements and advertising campaigns, this module will investigate many interrelated considerations, including the historical development of the advertising industry, industry structure, advertising philosophy and psychological approaches, and audience 'positioning'. Advertising texts (televisual, web and print) will be analysed in the context of each of the above points.

Content

Course delivery:

10 x 2 hour Lecture/Workshops

This module is designed to offer students a critical insight into the advertising industry across a number of converging media. Using numerous examples of individual advertisements and advertising campaigns, this module will investigate many interrelated considerations, including the historical development of the advertising industry, industry structure, advertising philosophy and psychological approaches, and audience 'positioning'. Advertising texts (televisual, web and print) will be analysed in the context of each of the above points.

Module Skills

Skills Type

Skills details

Application of Number

Students will be given the opportunity to reflect upon basic statistical data (primarily presented in percentages), through encountering key research studies in the field.

Communication

Students' written communication skills will be developed (e.g. appropriate language and style, accuracy, precision and ability to be concise). Opportunities will be given, through interactive lecture-workshop sessions, for students to develop confidence in using their speaking and listening skills when communicating their ideas. Students will develop oral presentation skills by articulating their ideas to the group and putting together a systematic presentation.

Improving own Learning and Performance

Students will be able to develop their skills of information location and retrieval. Students will be given opportunities to develop effective note-taking skills. Students will develop their critical thinking skills. Through group and whole class discussion students will be given opportunities to develop an awareness of the opinions of others and reconsider initial ideas if necessary.

Information Technology

Students will be given the opportunity to develop their authorial and note-taking skills when planning and preparing for the written assignments, and will be encouraged to develop their note-taking skills in lectures.
Students will be given opportunities to develop their skills using electronic search and retrieval of sources both on the web and on the AU LIS. Students will develop their skills when referencing from the web and related sources, and will focus on the selection of materials appropriate to task. E-mail and Blackboard will be the main forms of communication and information-sharing in this module, so students will be encouraged to actively engage in these processes. Students will learn to use Powerpoint and other similar packages to create presentations.

Personal Development and Career planning

Students will be given the opportunity to evaluate current knowledge and skills and set targets for self-improvement. Students will be encouraged to take increasing responsibility for managing their own learning.
Students will be encouraged to build upon the knowledge gained from lectures through developing skills in self study (supported by the general and specific reading lists and other resources distributed throughout the module). Students will develop self-confidence in public speaking, particularly valuable for those wishing to work in the advertising industry.

Problem solving

Students should be able to identify tensions and debates in the field, and will be encouraged to critically reflect. Students should gain experience in applying different approaches and materials to understand data and other patterns in research.

Research skills

Students will be able to develop their skills of information location and retrieval. Students will be given opportunities to develop effective note-taking skills. Students will be encouraged to evaluate, interpret and reflect upon a variety of sources, and to make links to accomodate new ideas.

Subject Specific Skills

Team work

Most sessions will involve group work where students will be able to collaborate through discussion. Students will work in small groups to create an advertising pitch, culminating in class presentations.